Australian Army - Class IV Hearing Loss - Appeal?

[victorhooi]

heya,

I recently tried to enlist in the Australia Army as a reservist, officer entry. However, I was told that I could not be accepted into the Army due to a Class IV hearing impairment (Basically, I have a mild-to-moderate hearing impairment in both ears. I can hold conversation fine, and it doesn't really affect my life that much, however they said they're scared it might worsen if I'm in the army.)

After some thought, I intend to appeal this - consulting with an ENR specialist, getting his opinion, and writing back to the medical board.

Would people have any advice or pointers on the appeal? Has anybody else appealed a Class IV on hearing loss for ADF? I'm sure there's a job somewhere in there, that doesn't require perfect hearing, hopefully...are other militaries as stringent?

Thanks,
Victor

 

[LancerMc]

Victorhooi,

I have hearing problems as well, and during my time in AFROTC in the states my hearing loss was a concern. I didn't really learn how bad it was until I had a military physical. I had to have my hearing test done three times, so they could absolutely make out what the problem was. I found out I was low tone deaf in my right ear. Basically if someone talks or something makes a noise soft enough, my right ear can't pickup anything. No doubt this problem was primarily caused by working around jets for a few years, and my passion for heavy metal music. The doctor told me if I have that problem in my left as well, I probably would have been not been allowed to continue on.

Your hearing loss doesn't sound severe but I think the doctor's are justified, because one too many times working around jets I came upon incidents where I didn't have my ear plugs and I needed them thus leading to hearing damage. Serving in the military would un-doubtly in my opinion make your hearing loss worse. It sucks to have to be omitted for service because of minor health concerns, but it better to have it happen now then later. I had a friend get released by the AF one week before her commissioning and transfer to flight training because some how the doctors had overlooked her peanut allergy (an automatic release in the U.S.) I don't know how the system works in Australia, but overall their looking out for your well being and that of the army.

 

[enghave]

I think you should definitely appeal, the worst that could happen is they could reaffirm their decision.

The worst I've heard was DFR turning away a potential Air Traffic Controller because he had asthma during adolescence.

Did they mention you could go in as a rifleman instead of GSO?

 

[RubiconNZ]

Reserves

I was Class III'd from reserve Rifleman because of a slightly high blood pressure it was either 120 over 70 or 130/60, this was despite a high level of proven physical activity that proved I could hack it however the CWO in charge said with appeal I should be able to overturn with documentation from the different sports clubs I was in at the time. I chose not to however since my window for the summer holiday was missed, it crazy when even then 2004 they wern't exactly rolling in recruits.

 

[RubiconNZ]

Reserves

I was Class III'd from reserve Rifleman because of a slightly high blood pressure it was either 120 over 70 or 130/60, this was despite a high level of proven physical activity that proved I could hack it however the CWO in charge said with appeal I should be able to overturn with documentation from the different sports clubs I was in at the time. I chose not to however since my window for the summer holiday was missed, it crazy when even then 2004 they wern't exactly rolling in recruits. This was after waiting about a good 6 months for the medical/interview slots.

 

[Sea Toby]

The guns and firearms make a lot of noise, not just jets. The army is very concerned with anyone having hearing loss. I doubt whether you will win your appeal.

For those who live in the United States, to comprehend the problem visit Lawton, Oklahoma on any Friday. Most of my relatives were woke up in the middle of the night with the guns firing and the ground shaking. Fort Sill is the US Artillery School next door. Before they grant leave to the lower ranks for the weekend the Army likes to shoot their guns.

 

[phreeky]

Back at the completion of school I attempted to get into the RAAF. I am colour blind.

It sucked big time, I ended up taking my second option and going to uni, now am a computer programmer. I still wouldn't mind being involved in the military, but they're so damn scrict re colour blindness. There was only a couple of possibilities and they were things I DEFINATELY didn't want to do (i.e. chaplan )

These things are a pain - like yourself my "disability" doesn't affect my daily life at all.

 

[sparta]

hi guys if you appeal make sure the doctor who is appealling is experience in making such an appeal to a military board otherwise it will fail. was it non combatant